Coin-tripped starting mechanism



June 10, 1930. c. P. wlcKs COIN TRPPED STARTING MECHANVISM s she'etsfsheet 1 Filed March 24, 1928 n v l" l! June 1Q, 1930. C, P, wlcKs 1,763,285

COIN TRIPPED STARTINGA MEGHANISM Filed March 24, 1928 s sneetssheet` 2v www P Mk2/f3 'June 1o, 1930. C. P. WICKS y 1,763,235

COIN TRPPED STARTING MECHANISM f l v I Il I 'J 15 mmm ,l 41g' Patented June 10, 1930 FFCE CLIFFORD P. VICKS, OF STANFORD, CONNECTCUT, ASSGNOR T AMERCAIT CUPTOR CORPORATION, OF NEX/V YORK, N. Y., A. CRPORATEON F DELAWARE COIN-TRIPPED STARTING- MECHANISM Application led March 24, 1928. Serial No. 264,525.

The invention relates to starting mechanism for automatic vending or like apparatus, more particularly to coin-tripped mechanism of this nature; and it has for its object to construct apparatus of this character which shall be simple and reliable in operation and also wherein tampering with the tripping mechanism and unauthorized operation of the apparatus are practically impossible. A further object of the invention resides in the provision of anindicating device for giving notice when the supply of the articles to be dispensed has become exhausted, and to means for closing simultaneously therewith the operating coin entrance-slot.

The invention has for a still further object to also close said slot immediately upon the dispensing mechanism being set in operation so that it becomes impossible to insert more than one coin for the vending of an individual article.

A. further object of the invention resides in the control of the driving mechanism and', more particularly, in the provision of means 25, in connection therewith whereby, when the enclosing casing for said mechanism is opened as for loading purposes, said mechanism remains inoperative until the casing is again properly closed.

Other features of the invention relate to certain details of construction to afford desired adjustments and as will hereinafter be more fully set forth, and shown in the accompanying drawings in which the invention has been. disclosed as applied to a machine for` automatically manufacturing and dispensing paper cups, more especially of the nature set forth in U. S. Letters Patent No. 1,646,802, granted October 25, 1927, to

Joseph V. VVeckbaugh.

In the drawings illustrating this particular embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a fragmentary elevation of the novel mechanism shown in the normal inoperative state.

Fig. 2 is a similar view indicating the relationship of the various parts when the ma.- chine has been tripped to initiate the cupforming operations and also in the condition in which the supply of cup-forming stock has 50 become completely depleted.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section taken on the line 3-3, F ig. 1, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fg. 4 is a fragmentary detail elevation illustrating the motor control cut-on1 device.

F ig. 5V is a fragmentary front view of the coin slot and sealing member therefor.

Referring to the drawings, 10 designates a side wall or frame plate for carrying the various mechanism and is designed to be mounted therewith within a suitable casing 11 in such a manner that unauthorized access to the interior of the device is entirely barred. As stated, the tripping and other mechanism hereinafter described is applied to cup-making apparatus of the nature set forth in U. S. Letters Patent No. 1,646,802, and wherein a paper, metal-bound cup is made from stock contained in a roller 12 carried on a drum 13 rotatably mounted on a spindle 14.

As in the embodiment illustrated in said patent, operation of the cup-forming Vmechanism (not shown) is initiated by the movement of a movable starting fork or like member 15 which is reciprocable over the plate 10, said fork normally being held in the inoperative postion shown in Fig.V 1 by means of a novel balanced toggle device, hereinafter set forth, and against the action of a tension spring 16 tending to draw the same longitudinally into the operative position indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. This start-- ing member is-designed to be released through the impact of a falling coin on a trigger element associated with said toggle device to break the same, as will hereinafter be more fully set forth.

The lower edge of the starting fork, moreover, is provided with a cam face 17 adapted to engage a roller 18 of the motor-starting device hereinafter described, tending to depress said roller when the starting fork is released and drawn over to the position indicated in Fig. 2. A pin 19 projecting outwardly from a plate attached to the surface of said starting fork is designed, also, to be enga-ged by a rotating cam 2O mounted on a cam shaft 21 of the cup-making mecha- Y nism for the purpose of restoring the starting fork to its inoperative position after the same 10o has been moved to the operative position and the cup-forming operations substantially completed. The said starting fork, moreover, is provided with suitable slots 22 and 23, the cam shaft :21 fitting into the former and a stud QA; into the latter and both serving to gui-,le and limit the extent ot reciprocation ot said starting fork.

ln order to eiiqect the release ot said fork and permit it to be drawn into the position indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings, novel toggle mechanism is associated therewith and is designed to be tripped by a coin or like member introduced through the entrance slot orcoin receiver member 25 mounted on the trame plate 10 and communicating with a suitable coin chute 25 ot the apparatus. rlhis toggle mechanism includes a linger 2G projecting laterally through an opening 27 in the wall 10 and is attached rigidly to a trip arm Q8; and the coin chute is so designed and arranged that a coin introduced thereto will be guided to tall approximately vertically down the same toward said trigger or finger 26 of the toggle mechanism, whereby the impact et' the coin thereon may break or spring the said toggle mechanism.

To this end tie said arm 28 is pivotally mounted on said wall through its inner U- shape end 29 which is mounted between the separated pieces ot' a link member 3U, also pivotally attached tothe wall to aiiiord a lever whose one end is connected to a further link 31, the said two links constituting a toggle element for releasing` as aforesaid the starting fork pivotally attached to inner end of said link 31.

lVhen the two link members 3() and 31 are positioned side-by-side in the same horizontal plane, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 3 of the drawings, it will be apparent that the starting fork is held thereby in its extreme right-hand position and, furthermore, that the tension of a spring 16 cannot draw the same into the operative position otl the mechanism. However, as soon as a coin or like article of suitable weight falls upon the linger 26 its trip arm will be depressed thereby and engage with a pin at the inner arm o't the duplex link member 30 to carry the latter with it and opening up the toggle members 30 and 31 with a snap action under the tension of spring 16, so that the starting fork is rapidly drawn to the position indicated in F ig. 2, and wherein it will remain until shortly before the cup-making operations are completed.

At that stage of the operation, the rotation ot cam shaft 21 will gradually bring the cam 20 around into position Jfor engagement with pin 19 to torce the starting fork and attached toggle members back into position in which they lie in a common plane and consequently lock the said starting fork against return under the action of spring 16, the return o1 the toggle members being assisted by a spring 31. By this expedient, a very sure and eil'ective tripping action is attained as well a positive locking ot the parts during the time the machine not producing cups.

Provision is made, also, for disiulacing slightly to one side or the other the pin 1U as by mounting it on a plat-e 33 which is adjustably attached to the starting fork and may be locked in position as by a screw 33 passing through a slet in the upper end oil said plate. 'lhis adjustment permits of having a minimum motion to absorb the mechanical looseness ot the toggle members when cam 2O restores said starting fork to inoperative position. Proper seating of the toggle members, assisted by the spring 31', is thus also insured and locking of the starting fork 15 thereby in the inoperative position.

Moreover, an adjusting lever 34 for the trip arm 28 is ulcrumed on the plate 10 and is to be secured in adjusted position by a screw 311 fitting through a slot in the outer end of said lever and into the plate 10, the opposite end of the lever 34e bearing upon the trip arm 28 so that the toggle elements may be set in the exact position required.

As soon as the starting fork 15 has been moved into the operative position aforesaid, provision is made for closing a circuit to the starting motor (not shown) for driving the cup-forming mechanism. To this end, the roller 13 is carried by a switch lever 35 from which depends a starting bar 3G whose lower end is adapted to engage with a plunger 37 of an electric switch 38, the same closing a circuit (not shown) when the plunger is depressed, as indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. Preiierably, this actuating switch 38 and its motor (not shown) are mounted outside ot the casing 11, the bar 36 to this end passing through an opening 39 in the bottom thereof. Said bar, moreover, is mounted over a guide pin or stud l0 projecting from the wall 10 and is provided with a slot L1-1 to accommodate its vertical movement. Stud 40, furthermore, forms a ulcrum for a switch locking lever which has an upper arm with lug 42 adapted to be engaged by the cam 2O at the conclusion of the cup-forming operations to release said locking lever and permit bar 3G to be drawn up' vardly, as hereinafter described, and break the circuit thereby at switch 38. rlhe other arm 1-3 of said lever is provided with a locking notch or shoulder 44 for engagement with a pin 45, projecting outwardly from the bar 3G, when the said bar is in the depressed position, a spring 4G tending normally to draw said arm 43 toward the pin l5 and maintain the locking engagement until the locking lever has been released under the action of the cam 20, as hereinbelore described.

In order to obviate closing of the switch 38 when the casing 11 is opened, provision is made for preventing under these circumstances bar 36 from being depressed .by the action of cam face 17. A switch `actuator member 50 has been provided for this purpose, the same being pivotally connected with the outer end of the switch lever 35 and having a slot 51 provided therein through which fits a pin 52 projecting outwardly from the wall 10. An outer edge 53 of said actuator member is designed, moreover, to contact with the wall of the casing 11, as indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings, vbeing' forced thereto by a spring 54 which connects the projecting end of the actuator member, beyond its pivotal connection, with the lever 35. Under these conditions, when roller 13 depresses lever 35, bar 36 will be correspondingly depressed as the actuatorl member is held in position and does not move on the fulcrum or pin 52 in View of contact of its edge 53 with the casing 11; and thus the pivotal connection between the elements 35 and 50 will serve as a fixed fulcrum. However, when the casing isopened, and as indicated in Fig. 4 of the drawings, the actuator member 50 will not remain in position on the kpin 52 but will be drawn upwardly as indicated and the said fulcrum at the connection between elements 35 and 50 becomes a Heating one. The lever 35 then merely rocks about the pivot point 40 as a fulcrum when pressure is applied to its roller end; and, consequently, no force is applied to depress the bar 36 and plunger' 37 to close switch 38. As soon, however, as the casing is again closed over the mechanism, actuator member v50 is locked against movement and will, therefore, provide afixed fulcrum at its pivotal connection with the lever 35 so that said lever may function to 'depress the bar 36, as hereinbefore described.

Vhen the roll 12 becomes exhausted in the manufacture of the cups therefrom, provision has been made not only to afford indication of this condition to a user of the ma'- chine, but also to prevent the insertion of further coins into the coin slot 25. This is accomplished by means of a stoplever 55 which is fulcrumed on the wall 10, or rather a bracket 56 attached thereto, and is springdrawn inwardly by a spring 57 to follow the decrease in diameter of the supply roll 12 as cups are made therefrom. So long as there is material on the drum l13, this stop lever will be held outwardly a suliicient eX- tent to allow its upper edge to remain under a pin 58 projecting from a link 59; but when this supply of material is exhausted, stop lever 55 snaps inwardly under the action of spring 57 until stopped by contact with the drum spindle 14 and will release thereby said pin 58 which is drawn downwardly under the influence of a spring 60 attached :to a lever 61 to which link 59 also is pivotally connected. The upper end'of said link, furthermore, is

connected with an oscillatable indicator member 62 which normally is in the horizontal position indicated in Fig. 1 of the drawings; but when the pin 58 is released as aforesaid, link 59 being drawn downwardly thereby, the indicator is swung upwardly to be vvisible through a glass window 63 of the casing and will thus give notice to a prospective purchaser, for example, that the machine is empty. In replenishing the supply of material, stop lever 55 will be drawn outwardly to ride on the periphery of the newly installed roll and link 59 will accordingly be raised, through contact of its pin 58 with the upper edge of lever 55, and will swing thereby the indicator device to a position where it is no longer visible.

The lever 61, furthermore, posite the spring connection is provided with a surface 65 which is designed to lock under a pin 66 extending outwardly from a bellcrank 67 pivoted tothe plate 10, the same being dra-wn by a spring 68 normally to pull down a rod 69 which is connected through a link 70 with one arm of the bell-crank 67. rIhis said rod is adapted at times to be projected upwardly into the coin slot 25 to seal oil" the same temporarily. For example, provision is made for the temporary sealing of said coin slot 25 by the rod 69 during the period immediately following the insertion of a coin and substantially until the completion of a cup,-this action taking place through the at the end op- -trippinfr of the toggle mechanism hereinbefore described. The link 30 of the toggle mechanism for this purpose is extended to engage with the said pin 66 and through the same to move-the bell-crank 67 upwardly and correspondingly locate the rod 69 in the coin slot. When the toggle mechanism is restored. to its locking position, spring 68 returns the bell-crank 67 to the normal position in which rod 69 is withdrawn from slot 25, provided the surface 65 has been depressed by the action of the stop lever 55 on lever 61, that is to say, so long as there is stock on the supply drum 13.

I claim:

1. In a coin operated apparatus having a movable starting member and means for tensioningsaid member toward the starting position: a control for said starting member comprising a pair of links pivoted together to form a toggle adapted to hold said starting member in non-starting position when said links are substantially aligned, a stop for holding said links against extended movement in one direction from the aligned position, a trigger member whereby said links may be moved from aligned position in the other direction to release said starting member, and means for guiding a falling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact of the coin on said trigger member may break said toggle and cause said starting member to be released.

2. fr release device ior coin tripped starting mechanism, comprising a movable starting member, means tor tensioning said member toward its starting position, a toggle device, one member of which comprises a link hinged to the starting member and when positioned in the axis or said starting member holds the latter in a predetermined position against movement Aunder the action of the tensioning means, a trigger member to upset the position of said toggle link and permit the stai-tin member to move toward its startin g position, and means tor guiding a falling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact ot the coin on said trigger member may break said toggle and cause said starting member to be released.

3. A release device for coin tripped starting mechanism, comprising a movable starting member, means Jtor tensioning said member toward its starting position, a toggle device for holding said member against said tensioning means, one member of which comprises a link hinged to the starting member, a lever pivotally connected therewith, a stop for one end ot said lever corresponding to a substantially coaxial position of the link and starting member, pivoted trigger arm adapted te engage an end ot said lever to upset the position ot the toggle link and permit the starting member to move toward its starting position, and means for guiding a 'talling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact of the coin on said trigger' member may break said toggle and cause said starting member to be released.

4. ln a coin operated apparatus having a movable starting member and means for tensioning said member toward the start-ing position: a, control for said starting member con'iprising a pair ot links pivoted together to form a toggle adapted to hold said starting member in non-starting position when said links are substantially aligned, a stop for holding said links against extended movement in one direction from the aligned position, a trigger member whereby said links may be moved from aligned position in the other direction to release said starting member, means for guiding a falling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact oi" the coin on said trigger member may break said toggle and canse said starting member to be released, and means to adjust the position ot said togglo.

A release device for coin tripped startmechanism, con'iprising a movable starting member. means ttor tensioning said member to n 'd its starting position, a toggle device, one member of which comprises alink hinged to the start-ing membY and when positioned in the axis ot said starting member holds the'lattcr in a predetermined position against movement under the action of the tensioning means, a trigger member to upset the position of said toggle link and permit the starting member to move toward its starting positiomand toggle adjusting means comprisinv an arm engaging said tri gger, pivoted to the trame plate and slotted at its one end, and a screw passing through said slot to secure the arm in adjusted iosition.

6. In a coin operated apparatus having a movable starting member and means 'for tensioi said member toward the starting position: a control for said starting member comprising a pair ot links pivoted together to Jform a toggle adapted to hold said startingl member in non-starting position when said links are substantially aligned, a stop for holding said links against extended movement in one direction from the aligned position, a triggjger member whereby said links may be moved from aligned position in the other direc n to release said starting member, means or guiding a falling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact ot the coin on said trigger member may break said toggle and ca use said starting member to be released, and slot-closing means actuated by the movement ot said toggle tor prevent-ing` introduction et a coin to the coin guide means.

7. relialse device for coin tripped starting mechanism, comprising a movable starting member, means for tensioning said memtoward its starting position, a toggle dcber vice, one member of which comprises a link hinged to the starting member and when positioned in the axis of said starting member holds the latter in a predetermined position against movement under the action of the tensioning means, a trigger member to upset the position ot said toggle link and permit the starting member to move toward its starting position, a coin entrance slot, a rod adapted to be introduced therein, a spring-drawn bell-crank connected therewith and having a pin projecting outwardly therefrom, th(` opposite end et the lever ot' said toggle being adapted to engage said pin when the toggle is sprung and thereby block the coin entrance slot.

8. A release device for coin tripped starting mechanism, comprising a movable starting member., a spring to pull the same along its longitudinal axis, releasable means for holding said member against the action of said spring, a plate pivotally mounted on lthe starting member and having a pin projecting therefrom, a. slot at one end ot said plate and a screw passing therethrough to secure the plate in position on said starting member whereby said pin may be adjusted to various positions with respect to said starting member', and means to restore the starting member to its original position comprising a cam adapted 'to engage said pin.

S). ln a coin operated apparatus having a movable starting member and means for tensioning said member toward the starting position: a control for said starting member comprising a pair ot links pivoted together' to term toggle adapted to hold said starting member in non-starting position when said links are substantially aligned, a stop for holding said links against extended movement in one direction from the aligned position, a trigger member whereby said links may be moved from aligned positionin the other direction to release said starting member, means for guiding a falling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact of the coin on said trigger member may break said toggle a d cause said starting member to be released, and a switch controlling member aetuated upon release of said toggle.

l0, ln a coin operated apparatus having a movable starting membe and means tor tensioning said member toward the starting position: a control for said starting member comprising a pair of links pivoted together to form a toggle adapted to hold said starting member in non-starting position when said links are substantially aligned, a stop for holding said 'links against extended movement in one direction lrom the aligned position, trigger member whereby said links may be moved from aligned position in the other direcion to release said starting member, means :tor guiding a falling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact ot' the coin on said trigger member may break said toggle and c; use said starting member to be released, a switch controlling bar actuated upon release of said toggle, and means to 'lock said switch bar in ope ative position.

ll. ln a coin operated 'apparatus having a movable start-ing member and means for tensioning said member toward the starting position: a control tor said starting member comprising a. pair of links pivoted together to form a toggle adapted to hold said starting member in non-starting position when said links are substantially aligned, a stop for holding said links against extended movement in one direction from the aligned position, a trigger member whereby said links may be moved from aligned position in the other direction to release said starting member, means for guiding a falling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact of the coin on said trigger member may break said toggle and cause said starting member to be released, a switch controlling bar actuated upon release of said toggle, means to lock the switch bar in operative position, and means to unlock and restore the bar upon resetting ot the toggle device l2. In a coin ope 'ated apparatus having a movable starting member and means for tensioning id member toward the starting position: coin-actuated control means 'for the starting member, a switch controlling bar actuated upon release oi' said member, a spriiiig-drawn notched lever to lock said bar in switch-actuating positions, a pin projecting 'from the bar, movable therewith and adapted to be enga-ged by said notched lever, and a cam adapted to engage said lever to release said bar to restore the parts to their origin al positions.

13. ln a coin operated apparatus having a movable starting member and means for tensioning said member toward the starting posi on: coin-actuated control means :tor releasing the starting member, a switch controlling bar actuated upon release of said men'lber, a sprii'xg-drawn notched lever engageable with a pin projecting from the bar for locking said bar in switch-actuating position, said pin being movable with and adapted to release said bar, and a spring-drawn control piece pivoted to one end of said bar and having on one end thereof means for engaging with a cam surface ofthe starting member whereby the said bar will be moved in one direction w ien the starting member is moved to starting position and in the opposite direction mien the same is restored to its nonstartiug position, and mea-ns i'or restoring the parts to their original positions.

l-l. ln a coin operate-:l apparatus having a movable starting member and means .for tensioning said member toward the starting position: a. control 'lor said soarting member oomprif-iinfj a pair oi links piroted together to form a oggle adapted to hold said starting member in non-starting posit-ion when said links are substantially aligned, a stop for holding' said links against extended movement in one direction from the aligned position, a trigger member whereby said links may be moved from aligned position in the other direction to release said starting membei', means for guiding a falling coin approximately vertically down toward said trigger member whereby the impact of the coin on said trigger member may break said toggle and cause said starting member to be released, a switch controlling member actuated upon release ot said toggle, and means pivotally connected therewith adapted for engagement with a casing for the coin apparatus to afford a fixed tulcrum at the said pivotal connection and a floating tulcrum thereat when out ot engagement with said casing wall, the operativeness ot the apparatus being determined by the tulerum mechanism.

l5. n a coin operated apparatus having a movable starting member and means tor tensioning said member toward the starting n rvsosi' mn adopted o engage said lover im Tekens@ om@ bmj, a spring-drawn ooutro peco pivotal 'to on: omi of amd bar und having on on@ @nfl thereof moans 01' engzxgmg vrilh n 02ml Soffiano@ of the Szirtug member Yfhcgoby 'gho sai@ Switch Controlling bur will be moved in one drfrion when the Said sono i5; rostolfed 1:0 its nou-SM wing' position, :a movzxlo, slo'md level ponly Connected 'wilx Hw other 02x11 of *She svfoh controlling bzw conti'o'l piove, am?. rogiout mms connocng; Suid slomi level' Wih said control piove, V10 :uftuzltm' member hm'ng an edge zu'upcd fol' Ongzlgcment with a casing for h@ coin opfruod nppmatus to afford then u i'xezl 'ulcrlim at thv Connection with said coul'o bau' :md :1 'kmi'ng fulcl'um thereat when out of engagement v-:h Suid Casing 12111, the opcmtwnes of ho apparatus being' dotm'mnod by 'thv fucrum mechanism.

n tos'mony whereof ax my signature.

CLFFORD P. YVCKS. 

